Norwegian Air Partners with Norsk e-Fuel for World's First Electrofuel Production Facility
Photo: Norwegian
Norwegian has recently become a shareholder in Norsk e-Fuel, marking a significant step in the aviation industry's move towards sustainable energy sources. This strategic partnership, formed in 2023, is set to establish the world's first large-scale electrofuel production facility in Mosjøen, Nordland, Norway. Electrofuel, also known as e-fuel, is a fossil-free aviation fuel compatible with existing aircraft, representing a major breakthrough in efforts to reduce emissions in aviation.
The collaboration aligns with Norwegian's ambitious goal to cut emissions by 45 percent by 2030. Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian, emphasized the partnership's pioneering role in transitioning to fossil-free aviation fuels and its potential to create a new industry in Norway, along with local job opportunities.
Karl Hauptmeier, CEO of Norsk e-Fuel, highlighted the urgency of scaling up e-Fuel production to meet the aviation industry's needs for fossil-free fuels. The commitment from Norwegian and other partners underscores the critical role of e-Fuels in achieving a sustainable future for aviation in Norway and across Europe.
Norwegian's investment in Norsk e-Fuel not only secures an ownership interest but also ensures long-term access to the fossil-free aviation fuel. Initially, the airline has invested over NOK 12 million and plans to add NOK 45-50 million at the next project milestone. This investment guarantees Norwegian over 7,000 metric tonnes of fuel annually from the first factory, with potential increases to 29,000 metric tonnes if additional factories are operational.
The Mosjøen facility is set to be a global first, significantly boosting the production and availability of electrofuel. Karlsen sees this partnership as central not only to Norwegian's emission reduction efforts but also as a pivotal development for the entire aviation sector in Norway.
The production capacity of 7,000 metric tonnes of fossil-free fuel in Mosjøen can cater to Norwegian's need for carrying 430,000 passengers between Bodø and Oslo, a significant portion of the approximate 550,000 passengers traveling this route annually.
Norwegian airlines are already mandated to utilize fossil-free aviation fuels, and similar EU regulations are set to commence in 2025. By 2030, Europe's blending requirements for fossil-free aviation fuel will reach 6 percent, progressively increasing to 70 percent by 2050, with half of this expected to be electrofuel. This strategic partnership between Norwegian and Norsk e-Fuel is a crucial step towards a more sustainable aviation industry, both in Norway and globally.
